The Package

HiFiMAN ships the Edition X in the same style of a box as the HE-1000. The insides are extremely well padded, which should keep it safe during shipping.


The Edition X's bundle is noticeably lighter than that of the HE-1000. You only get a cable and an adapter for 1/4" jacks.


Cable quality is the same as with the HE-1000. The cable's design is pretty decent, and although fairly standard-looking, the jacks seem up to the task.

Closer Examination

HiFiMAN definitely managed the design of the Edition X well. It looks really good and is, despite missing the lush materials of the HE-1000, still quite the looker. I personally find the Edition X's simpler look to be a real winner, and the fact that it is noticeably lighter is a major bonus.



Ear-cup-wise, the Edition X inherits the HE-1000's new oval cup design. The expensive wooden parts have been replaced by modest plastic ones, which looks pretty decent to these eyes. The cups themselves have also been slimmed down, from around 20 mm to 14 mm.


Some parts have trickled down directly from the HE-1000, and the pads are one of those. The pads are of very good quality and are angled, which helps with sound projection.


When it comes to the headband, the Edition X is equipped with something that looks like it has been adapted from the HE-560, which is a good thing as that design works very well. The Edition X is the most comfortable headphone to ever leave HiFiMAN's factory. Lighter, I find its simple headband slightly more comfortable than that of the HE-1000.